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Extreme heat and raging bushfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures forecast to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe heatwave warning has been declared across a large portion of the south-west.

Widespread Heatwave Alerts Across the Region

These conditions follow this month's bushfires in New South Wales, which resulted in the destruction of properties and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have additionally been activated for the coming days in areas within South Australia and NSW, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure shifts to the east, bringing intense sunshine to much of the area.

The mix of extremely dry vegetation and relentless high temperatures presents a volatile situation for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

In another part of the world, a major city was left in darkness recently after powerful winds damaged the urban power grid, with falling trees bringing down electricity cables. The weather conditions also caused significant travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of flights were grounded. Substantial damage to power systems is expected to cause further problems as utility companies work urgently to restore power to more than 1 million residents.

Atypical Mist Covers Typically Clear Area

Meanwhile, a region famed for its clear skies and plentiful sunlight has experienced one of its grayest and most overcast periods on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which typically lasts for only a few days, has been remarkably extensive and persistent this year, keeping temperatures at a key transport hub below 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The extended haze has been fuelled by unprecedented fall precipitation that resulted in the ground saturated.

• Key Factor: Exceptional autumn rainfall saturated the ground.
• Outcome: Prolonged and thick fog formation.
• Effect: Thermal readings stayed unseasonably low for an lengthy period.

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Tourist Destination

Turning to Spain, a powerful storm has ushered in intense rain, strong gales and even snowfall to a group of islands – weather many would not associate with this popular tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at higher ground, the storm brought some of the heaviest accumulations since 2016 to a national park, compelling its closure.

In addition to the snow, strong northerly winds buffeted the island chain, with gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The effect of the storm is expected to ease this week with more typical conditions returning.